In this workshop students begin to explain their stories in stop motion animation. They work in groups of three rotating through the role of animator, director and camera person. Below are the key components of each role. I also bought a mini clacker board for the students to write their names on. It is a big hit with them.
Open workshop with three student volunteers modeling teamwork in how to shoot a scene. One acts as director, one acts as camera person and one acts as animator. Give them a clay object to move about on a surface everyone can see. Have them go through the tasks involved in taking a series of sequential still images simulating the motion of an object.
This year I have three digital still cameras which we are using. It went really smoothly in the first class of 20 third graders and we were able to film all students in one hour and 15 minute session.
Create three camera stations a good distance apart. Place a tabletop lamp on each table. Tape cords down. Tape camera stands down. Tape background paper to the table. Tape, Tape, Tape! You don't want things moving about accidentally.
Tip 1 : use a goose neck lamps and place the light low to the table to create a dramatic shadow on the clay pieces.
Tip 2: Students who are waiting for the cameras can be working on their scripts. They should write them down neatly. (In the last class they jotted down quick ideas). When teams of three complete filming, they can work on end credits, opening credits, and opening scene.